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Penn State Tale of the Tape: Why the Rutgers win meant more than you think

Andrew Callahan, Lebanon
Published 4:26 p.m. ET Sept. 21, 2015

Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) is able to escape Rutger's Kaiwan Lewis during the second half of the game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, September 19, 2015. Penn State defeated Rutgers 28-3. Jeremy Long -- Lebanon Daily News(Photo: )

It's an important life lesson often lost in sports during these days of short attention and proclamations of championship or bust.

Celebrate your steps.

For all the wide-reaching acceptance of journey trumping destination, coaches, players and fans alike oft forget to live those words instead of simply repeat them. Take Saturday night.

In many respects, save for the Stripe Out, the significance of Sept. 19, 2015, for Penn State will largely be determined by the outcome of its season. Should the season sour, the Rutgers win will form in our memories as what was a sign of things to come, when the Lions didn't look like world-beaters against the JV of the Big Ten. If Penn State races to a big bowl game, that game instead retrospectively becomes known as the springboard to its winning ways.

For now, the Lions took a positive step Saturday and moved to 2-1. Frankly, that's what truly matters here, and yes, it matters. Penn State played well in each phase, a hallmark of any good football team. And the inventory of Lions who played a poor game was shorter than the list of non-alcoholic options at your average dive bar.

So fans should raise a post-game glass and put a smile on.

To the frowning folks who would counter, saying "Hey, it's only Rutgers. Let's not get carried away here," I would agree. Getting carried away is one of the declared enemies of these Tales of the Tape, but allow me to ask this in return: Who else did Penn State have to play Saturday? No one.

The only step the Lions could have possibly taken was their next and that meant jumping up against Rutgers, beginning at 8:13 p.m. After four quarters against the Scarlet Knights, they did far more than stick the landing. So cherish it.

San Diego State will roll in this weekend, occupy the visitors locker room at Beaver Stadium, then take the field and the collective emotional stability of central Pa. will again be up for grabs over the ensuing three hours. Not that anyone clad in blue or white Saturday would want to, but there's nothing a single soul can do to stop that.

Thus, in the meantime, be happy about 2-1.

And know the following takeaways are the very reasons behind your current football joy, as well as perhaps some food for caution.

4 Offensive Takeaways

PACKAGED PLAYS LED TO EXPLOSIVE PLAYS >> What if I told you the Lions' longest pass and run Saturday came from the exact same play? Well, it's true.

A staple of Penn State's offense under James Franklin, packaged plays are designs that offer a built-in choice to run or pass on a given snap depending on the quarterback's read of a particular defender. For those unfamiliar with the concept, think of what you know about the zone-read, often referred to as the "read-option."

In those plays, a quarterback takes the snap, places the ball in the gut of his running back (a la a regular run) and reads a deliberately unblocked defender on the edge. If that defender charges down to tackle the running back, the quarterback pulls the ball out and runs himself. If the defender stands still, he lets the ball go and watches the back run behind a favorable double-team in the other direction.

Packaged plays are rooted in a similar read, where the unblocked edge defender often becomes a linebacker. In addition, the alternate option to a straight hand-off is now a pass, typically to one of two receiving options. You can almost always count on Penn State's packaged plays, including a bubble screen.

Here's a look at DaeSean Hamilton's 48-yard catch-and-run that opened the Lions' second scoring drive, where Hackenberg sees play-side outside linebacker cheating up and a vacant space behind him. Translation: hit Hamilton on that seam route.

Now look at Akeel Lynch's 75-yard touchdown run on the very next drive. It's the same call made before a chasm opens up on the left side for Lynch to speed through for six. Chris Godwin's 30-yard bubble screen take-off on the team's third series came on a similar design, too.

These were only three of more than a dozen such plays Penn State dialed up Saturday because, truth be told, Franklin's Lions love their packaged plays. And they should.

Among recent offensive innovations, packaged plays are about as cutting edge as it gets. They're highly useful in non-obvious run or pass situations, such as 1st-and-10 or second and third downs with medium or short distances to go. Now of course, packaged plays don't always result in such explosive gains. But, assuming a proper read, they always create the opportunity for positive yards.

And that will always be a great place to start.

OFFENSIVE LINE POSTS A SHUTOUT >> We've seen two games in a row now where Christian Hackenberg has been sacked a grand total of zero times. Didn't think you'd read that sentence after the opening Temple disaster, did you?

Penn State's offensive line has played with far better cohesion since the opener, though it's important to note the ball is purposefully flying out of Hackenberg's hand like a hot potato. Many of his throws came out of aforementioned packaged plays or were designed quick hitters to wideouts running hitches, slants, bubble screens, etc. In fact, only five of Hackenberg's 19 pass attempts traveled more than 10 yards through the air.

Back to the big boys up front.

Penn State's coaches know better than anyone the strength of their offense will never be the line, so they've adjusted their scheme accordingly. Still, the group's efforts to shore up technique and communication in practice have certainly translated, especially in the running game.

Center Angelo Mangiro stood out as the group's top performer, with right guard Brian Gaia and tackle Brendan Mahon showing well, too. Left guard Derek Dowrey did an excellent job getting to the second level, while the man to his left, Paris Palmer, remains as the weak link up front. Overall, another strong week, and the group's confidence is building. We'll learn more when that confidence has to stand up against conference competition.

BARKLEY AND LYNCH >> In case you hadn't heard, Penn State ran over Rutgers like road kill Saturday with Saquon Barkley and Lynch taking turns at the wheel. Lynch had 115 yards at halftime and Barkley's cool 195 earned him Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors ... again.

As most wrote after the game, Barkley revealed himself a more talented pure runner than Lynch, a fact showcased most obviously by his acceleration and excellent change-of-direction ability. What impressed me most, however, was how the young back ran with power, leverage and a keen sense of how to set up blocks. The first two traits popped off the screen during the Lions' third drive, when Barkley was met with contact at the line of scrimmage on third down-and-two, yet picked up three yards. Later, he ripped off a fourth-quarter run to the right, shedding, shaking and speeding by tacklers that made sticking around for the final act of a 28-3 game in the rain very worth it.

Lynch is more than serviceable and ought to be featured in a positional rotation. Additionally, we don't know much about Barkley's competence in pass protection or holding onto the ball, which while unsexy, are critical components of the position.

WHAT COMES NEXT? >> After three games, we need to graduate the conversation about this offense from "Will the offensive line protect Hackenberg?" It's a tired point that's been answered quite well the last two games, and there's so much more to explore now.

In turn, I am highly curious as to whether we see the Lions evolve offensively given the recent developments up front. Hackenberg's ability to make every throw necessary has long been evident, and good receiving talent awaits outside the numbers. Hamilton himself shared post-game the passing attack is just starting to scratch the surface. Will the passing game get a chance to flourish beyond nine yards downfield?

Then there's Barkley. For my money, sending him out on a screen would do wonders to both utilize his talents, but further cover up a so-so line. Will his next highlight come via the passing game?

Slowly but surely the Penn State offensive staff has expanded on its creativity, and I'd hope they continue to push the envelope in the ensuing weeks.

4 Defensive Takeaways

BELL, HALEY MAKE IMMEDIATE IMPACT IN RETURN >> Brandon Bell knows how to make an entrance. The recently returned linebacker led the Lions from the get-go by racking up eight first-half tackles, often flying in to bottle up the Rutgers' running attack. Through the air, the Scarlet Knights made an effort to spread Bell's linebacker group out, often motioning a back from the backfield out wide to expand Penn State's zone coverage. Bell and Jason Cabinda were especially up to the task here, while Troy Reeder flashed more in the running game.

After also being sidelined due to injury, sophomore cornerback Grant Haley made his 2015 debut in style, snaring a second-quarter interception. Haley sunk from his shorter zone within a disguised Cover 2 shell that Rutgers quarterback Chris Laviano actually deciphered well. However, he didn't see Haley dropping further than designed with no underneath threat to cover and Haley made an easy pick.

These are some talented starters and neither showed any sign of rust. Big boost for an already sturdy group.

PLAY-ACTION WORRIES >> I hit on this area last week to close my Buffalo Tale of the Tape and, low and behold, Rutgers' greatest passing successes were accompanied by a play fake. Three of the Scarlet Knights' four longest pass plays came off play-action, which also generated a total of five first downs.

Rutgers was so confident in its play-action that the team ran actually allowed Laviano to turn his back from the defense twice while inside his own 2-yard line. From this view, the Knights even under-utilized play-action, which served a twofold purpose of slowing Penn State's vaunted pass rush and exploiting its inexperienced linebackers group. That wasn't the team's only error, though ...

RUTGERS GONNA BE RUTGERS>> Despite an acceptable final stat line, there were certain times where Laviano had you wondering whether the position of Rutgers quarterback had been awarded as the prize of a fan sweepstakes contest. Three of the Scarlet Knights' first four drives ended with passes to targets well short of the sticks HYPERLINK. His interception to John Reid in the third quarter was absolutely baffling.

Separate from his miscues, Rutgers' offensive game plan was far from inspiring, as the biggest gains came in a fourth quarter littered with garbage time. Outside of hitting the Lions repeatedly with out routes and runs away from Carl Nassib, there was little success to be had. Eight team penalties didn't help, either.

DEFENSIVE LINE GETS THEIR DUE >> It took more than three quarters, but the Lions' vaunted defensive front finally racked up five deserved sacks and buried Laviano to close the game. Laviano turned in a number of escape acts that would've made David Blaine proud, but he couldn't quite evade Carl Nassib on Penn State's first quarterback takedown. Austin Johnson then added another to cap a third straight terrific performance, where he was rarely moved off his spot all night and almost single-handedly ran down a tunnel screen in the first quarter. And Anthony Zettel was Anthony Zettel.

This group is damn good.

Quarter by quarter

1ST QUARTER>> Three of Penn State's first eight offensive snaps resulted in penalties, but it was Mangiro's 15-yard illegal block that truly ended a promising opening series. Possibly a bit too amped up for the team's first night game, Mangiro went after a Rutgers defensive lineman right as the play came to a close. It was an unusual error on an otherwise solid night for the veteran center.

Defensively, Jordan Lucas was flat-out robbed of a forced fumble and recovery when he was whistled for a bogus personal foul penalty. No idea what happened there.

2ND QUARTER>> DeAndre Thompkins' opening touchdown came on the exact same jet sweep out of a three-tight end package that helped the Lions convert a key third down earlier in the drive. The only differences were Polk took the first handoff, and Hackenberg was placed under center for the second. That change in formation is called "window dressing," in which the core concept of a play remains the same despite a change in its initial look.

Lastly, after Godwin's initial 30-yard reception, the core of the first scoring drive was ground and pound. Ten of the 11 plays dialed up after his bubble screen breakout were runs. On the Lions' next scoring series, Rutgers' safety play was just wretched.

3RD QUARTER>> The Scarlet Knights held the ball for more than nine minutes in each of the third and fourth quarters, limiting Penn State to only 10 offensive snaps in this period. Other factors included improved pass defense from the Scarlet Knights, who clamped down on Lion receivers' short and basic route tree. Reid's interception halted Rutgers' best drive to date. Penn State continued to throw first-down pressures at Laviano with success.

4TH QUARTER>> After three consecutive dropbacks on third down failed them, Penn State returned to the running game, where Barkley did Barkley things. His most sensational run of the night registered was the aforementioned second down-and-four play. The Lions had some trouble holding the edge against Rutgers' run game late, which led defensive coordinator Bob Shoop to switch for at least one play to a scrape technique to shore that up.

The Hackenberg File

Each week I'll provide an updated look at Hackenberg's progression in what could be his final season before turning pro. Below are the quarterback's stats against different pressures. In the chart farther down, you'll find a breakdown of his throws by area of the fields. The yards listed are those accumulated by each pass, but the throws have been placed in each square by yardage covered in the air.

VS. 7-MAN RUSHES >> 0-0

VS. 6-MAN RUSHES >> 0-2, INT

VS. 5-MAN RUSHES >> 2-5, 35 yards

VS. 4-MAN RUSHES >> 8-14, 106 yards

VS. 3-MAN RUSHES >> 0-0

(INSERT CHART HERE)

2-minute drill

• Sophomore safety Marcus Allen led Penn State with 11 tackles because he's terrific in run support. Not afraid to stick his nose into the action.

• Kicking a field goal while faced with a 21-0 deficit and under 11 minutes remaining was dumb football at its peak. C'mon, Rutgers.

• Back-up defensive tackle Parker Cothren, a redshirt sophomore, flashed in the middle quarters by penetrating into the backfield. Quick first step.

• Palmer may be tipping runs to the right by when he settles into a stance slightly farther off the line of scrimmage pre-snap. It may be nothing and there's a tiny sample size to consider, but he did this a few times Saturday. Something to keep an eye on.